Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Leading From the Bottom

I was inspired to write this after reading @tonysinanis Principal's are People 2 blog http://leadingmotivatedlearners.blogspot.com/2014/07/principals-are-people-2.html , where he discusses how he has decided to "just be himself" along with the good and bad that goes with it. I agree with Mr. Sinanis in that, sometimes the principal is looked at in a light that is "other than human". Sometimes you have to be the one to hold the line and have the difficult conversation. It is never easy. It is not fun. Most often, people don't look at things from other perspectives or have a global view. They know they have a problem and it is my job to fix it. It is my job to take in the global picture and make decisions based on what I know is best for kids.
Leading from the bottom is basically turning the educational pyramid upside down. This is where students and their families are at the top in the largest part of the triangle. The teachers and staff are in the middle and then the school leader is at the tip and on the bottom (trying to keep everything balanced). Everything we do should based on what is best for our students.

As the lead learner in my building it is my job to make sure the people in the large part of the triangle (students and families) get what they need. It is also my job to make sure that the staff has the tools needed to ensure that our students and families are getting the best we can offer. The teachers and staff must do their part to ensure the best educational environment.

By nature I am enthusiastic, positive, and driven. My staff knows this and the students get it. They know what I stand for and I hope they appreciate my purpose. When a teacher says, can we do something, my answer is usually, why not. We can figure it out. I know they are here for the students and their families and we can do it together. If you look at the pyramid, it is a heavy weight to bear, but we can do it together. Leading from the bottom!